On Thursday, the National Population Commission initiated the 2023-24 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey and introduced the revamped Akwa Ibom State NPC office building for this purpose.
During the ceremonies, Mr. Nasir Isa Kwarra, the Chairman of the National Population Commission, assured everyone of the NPC’s commitment to conducting a credible, reliable, and acceptable population census in the country. He emphasized the commission’s dedication to providing the necessary facilities to ensure a comfortable work environment for its personnel.
Representing Mr. Kwarra, Benedict Ukpong, the Federal Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, highlighted that the remodeled building was geared toward preparing for the forthcoming population and housing census.
He acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for the financial and moral support that enabled the inauguration of the building and praised the NPC staff for their unwavering dedication, resilience, and consistent efforts over the years.
“As you are aware, the commission is still preparing for the next census. It is in this regard that we will leave no stone unturned to make sure that all corresponding facilities, including habitable and good working environment, is delivered to ensure the constitutional mandate of the commission is fulfilled, which is the effective delivery of the next population and housing census, which will be credible, reliable and acceptable.
“The remodeled and reconstructed office building we are officially inaugurating today will serve as the administrative hub for the effective functioning of the Akwa Ibom State NPC office where vital meetings and critical decisions that concern the growth and progress of the commission will be made,” he stated.
He explained further said one of the objectives of 2023-24 NDHS is to gather high-quality data on a wide range of vital indicators, including fertility rates, maternal and child health, contraceptive use, childhood mortality, gender-related issues, nutrition, HIV/AIDS awareness, and more.
Ukpong, who himself was represented by the State Director of NPC, Mr. Emmanuel Edem, explained that the survey would provide data supporting the evaluation needs of maternal and child health and family planning programs, enabling evidence-based planning and resource allocation.
He said, “For over three decades, the NPC, in collaboration with key partners, has diligently implemented the NDHS, consistently raising the bar for demographic and health data collection in Nigeria.
“Today, as we launch this survey at the state level, we reiterate our commitment to upholding the same high standards of excellence and precision that have defined the NDHS over the years,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser, Bureau of Political and Social Reorientation, Amanam Nkanga, represented by Mr. Solomon Johnson, Director of Administration of the Bureau, commended NPC for the remodeled and reconstructed building offices.
He said It is an indication that NPC is working and prepared for an accurate census and assured that the Bureau will harmoniously work with the commission in demographic and population matters.
On her part, the NDHS State Coordinator, Mrs. Helen Amakwe, said the flag-off of the exercise in Akwa Ibom is after a month-one training of the team in Akwanga, Nassarawa state, and a zonal flag-off in Port Harcourt.
Amakwe stated that the exercise, which is conducted every five years, is the eighth in the series in Nigeria, adding that NDHS is a semi-census programme carried out in the 36 states of the Federation, including FCT.
She explained that the survey would cover 25 local government areas in Akwa Ibom involving 39 clusters and 14,000 households and would particularly focus on the health issues of women and children.
She stated that the Akwa Ibom NDHS team is made up of 10 persons, including herself, three female interviewers, two male interviewers, two biomarkers, a team leader, and a CAPI supervisor, as well as two drivers.
She noted that the survey is being conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Affairs, and USAID and ICF as its technical assistants.
